Arsenal's Saliba Faces Long Layoff After Back Surgery

The news hits hard for Arsenal and their fans. Reports from both L’Équipe and The Athletic confirm that William Saliba will need back surgery. This explains why he was taken off during the World Cup semi-final against Spain due to persistent back issues.

French journalist Julien Laurens shared that Saliba admitted his back was beyond recovery while playing through intense pain with the help of strong painkillers. It appears the injury worsened over time, leading to the decision for surgery.

The operation is expected to bench Saliba for roughly four to five months, which means he won't be returning to the pitch for Arsenal until sometime in 2027. This is a major blow for the Gunners as they lose a key defender for a considerable period.

Fans and teammates alike will hope for a smooth recovery, but the road ahead looks tough for Saliba.